THE body of a marine mammal has washed up on Stevenston beach.

A carcass was spotted by dog walkers on the popular beauty spot during an early morning stroll on Tuesday, November 7.

Michael Buttle and Jocke Kearn shared an image of the mammal, which is understood to be that of a dolphin or a porpoise, following their discovery.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: The body of either a dolphin or porpoise was found on the beach.

North Ayrshire Council have since been made aware of this, and say they are in the process of having this removed.

A spokesperson said: “Having been made aware of the carcass on the beach, we are making arrangements to remove it.”

The discovery comes little over a year after a whale washed up on the same shoreline.

READ MORE: Stevenston beach: Dead whale found on shore

The site of marine life on local shores has become a far more common sight in general, and it is best to remain aware of what exactly do to in these situations.

The British Diver Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) have previously looked to provide clarity on exactly this.

The BDMLR are a voluntary rescue organisation - who can be called out 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, for the rescue of stranded mammals like what was seen on Tuesday - as well as other sea life which has been sighted such as seals, whales, basking sharks or even leatherback turtles.

READ MORE: BDLMR explain increased sea life sightings and strandings in Ayrshire

David Devoy, BDMLR coordinator for Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, explained all.

He said: "Strandings are becoming more common on our local shores.

"If we can't get to these strandings as soon as possible, the chances of re-floating, or in the case of seals getting them to rehab, can suffer and their numbers will eventually reduce, so education plays an important part.

"In the first instance, we recommend that you observe and try to get as much information as possible that will help our response.

"Please do not try to put the mammal back into the water yourself, this could either cause further injury to it or more importantly, to yourself.

"Also try to keep your pets away from them to avoid any nasty infections to both your pet and yourself.

"Returning them back to the waters delays examination and can result in them stranding again within hours."

Most important of all for the BDMLR is to contact their rescue line on 01825 765546 using option one for emergency response. Provide as much detail as possible, and bare in mind they work alongside blue light services.